5 Best Part-Time MBA Programs in the San Francisco Bay Area
The best part-time MBA programs in the San Francisco Bay Area combine strong academic standing with schedules designed for busy professionals. Classes may be delivered during evenings or weekends, online or through a hybrid format.
We evaluated the genuine part-time MBA programs available across the San Francisco Bay Area. To be included, a program had to award an MBA, allow students to stay working full time, avoid compulsory daytime study and provide good access to the Bay Area business community.
To rank the shortlisted degrees, we used a weighted average score across four criteria. Academic reputation accounted for 30%, tuition and value for 25%, compatibility with full-time work for 25% and access to Silicon Valley and the wider Bay Area business network for 20%.
1. Santa Clara University
The best part-time MBA program in the San Francisco Bay Area is the Evening MBA at Santa Clara University. Estimated tuition is $100,520, giving students a top-25 nationally ranked MBA without entering the ultra-premium price tier. The Leavy School of Business Evening MBA normally takes two years, with classes held twice weekly from about 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The standard schedule contains 14 required courses and eight electives. Subjects include accounting, finance, economics, marketing, management and business analytics. Elective areas include finance, entrepreneurship, marketing and business analytics.
Pros: Good value for a highly ranked MBA; No. 1 ranking in Silicon Valley; two-year completion time; evening classes; eight electives.
Cons: Two campus visits are normally required each week; commuting may be difficult from outside Silicon Valley; GMAT or GRE scores may be required.
2. UC Berkeley Haas
The part-time MBA at UC Berkeley Haas is ranked No. 1 in the United States. Estimated tuition is $175,980, placing it firmly in the ultra-premium price range. Students can attend evening classes, study on Saturdays or complete most classes online through the Flex format.
Students complete 13 required courses in finance, economics, marketing, data analysis, operations, leadership and strategy. The other half of the degree consists of electives, with the number depending on the length of the courses chosen. The MBA normally takes three years, although students may finish in two or extend their studies across five years.
Pros: No. 1 national ranking; evening, weekend and Flex formats; half of the degree devoted to electives; two-to-five-year completion range.
Cons: Very high tuition; required campus events for Flex students; evening classes meet twice weekly and Saturday classes occupy most of the day.
Related: How Many Credits for an MBA? Survey Results
3. University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco offers a fully online part-time MBA costing $51,750 after an automatic 25% tuition scholarship. Students normally complete the degree in about two years, taking three courses per term through a mix of online coursework and live sessions.
The MBA contains 12 core courses, four additional required courses and about four electives. Subjects include finance, marketing, business analytics, operations, leadership and strategy. Students also complete courses in digital transformation and sustainability, a global business project and a final project.
Pros: Moderate tuition; automatic scholarship; fully online delivery; about two years of study; optional campus activities; project-based coursework.
Cons: Limited campus experience; less face-to-face networking; only about four electives.
Related: Is an Online MBA Worth It?
4. Golden Gate University
The Golden Gate University MBA costs around $39,240 before fees. Students do 12 courses and may study fully online or through a hybrid format. The MBA can be finished in 18 months with full-time study, while part-time students choose a lighter course load.
The program includes nine general business courses and three courses in a chosen concentration. Options include applied AI, business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing and project management. No GMAT or GRE is required.
Pros: Relatively low tuition; only 12 courses; online and hybrid formats; eight concentration choices; no GMAT or GRE.
Cons: The 18-month timeframe requires full-time study; part-time completion takes longer; hybrid students must attend some classes in San Francisco.
5. Saint Mary’s College of California
The Saint Mary’s MBA costs $46,404 for the 12-course accelerated track or $58,005 for the 15-course traditional track. Students normally finish in 12 to 18 months and choose how many classes to take each term. Most classes are held in person at the Moraga campus.
The curriculum includes accounting, finance, marketing, analytics, operations and strategy. Students choose a concentration in business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance or marketing. No GMAT or GRE is required.
Pros: Moderate tuition; 12-course option for eligible students; self-paced schedule; four concentrations; no GMAT or GRE; STEM designation.
Cons: Mostly campus-based delivery; total cost depends on previous academic study; only the final concentration courses use a hybrid format.
